I am looking for a 8m kite (taking advantage of the discounts offered on 2012 models)

My requirements list for this 8m kite:
- To have bomb proof material and construction, to resist hard crashes and survive to waves trashing
- To have extended wind range from 18 till 35 knots
- To be ultra stable with ability to swallow very gusty conditions without moving

I totally HATE small kite as they tend to behave like mosquitos, flying too fast and requiring permanent baby-sitting any time you put some pressure on the bar. I prefer smal kite behaving like big kite, with more inertia and more noble behavior.

I don t care about one pump I almost prefer the simplicity of separate inflation points.

I don t care about freestyle at all, I am into free-riding and very occasionnaly into wave-riding?

Any recommendation that could match those criteria?

Many thanks in advance,
y.

Sounds like a Naish Bolt.

I second that. Btw 8 and 9 bolt were exceptionally good from the bolt range Imo

I dont like small kites either. Used to ride a 13m Waroo 2007 ALL the time. Then i changed to Epic Kites and damn what a difference.
I now ride my 12m Screamer 2010 most of the time. Still love it in 25/30 knots. I have a 10m limited Screamer too but its not really my thing. The 9m on the otherhand is perfect. Its fast but its not buzzing like a bee. Its stable as hell and i like jumping with it too. Its not an 8m but it sure has the windrange you want. I ride it up to 40 knots +gusts and it still feels amazing.
If you have the chance give this kite a try i think you will enjoy it.

* Note * i work for epic kites so i'm not completely unbiased but its my own opinion none the less.

I suggest a Ocean Rodeo 2012 Razor; put it on less depower setting and slow steering and your done.

Wainman 9m - i have used mine for 3 years now. It has the range and simplicity you are looking for.

Yep, I'm the same. If you don't like the feeling of small kites, then don't buy a small kite. Buy a bigger kite that has a good top end. I chose my Airush VX for this. I have a 10m kite and am totally happy up to 28kts. After that the water gets too choppy and I'd rather be doing something else. It doesn't have the low end of a delta kite however, so I bought a 14m VX to complement it.

Oh btw, you can shorten you lines a little to get a little more top end out of your kite. Don't go too short, otherwise it will appear to be too fast in the window.

You are definitely looking for a Cab Switchblade year 2006

I was riding best TS all summer but before I got my 8TS they lent me a SB8m 2012. I tried it in 35+ knots and it was really sweet. Actually I am not a big fan of the bigger switchblade as I like faster kite. But in the smaller size the bar pressure and speed really isn't an issue. Really stable with good lift and hangtime. It might be what you are looking for.

The switchblade handle the gust really good and they have really good resale value.

Jules

not sure I would put the Wainman in this list - great kite but not fitting these specifics..